A violent earthquake shook Nepal on April 25, 2015, sending the country into a panic and killing thousands. It’s the most powerful quake to strike the region in 80 years. The Bible warns that earthquakes are one of the signs of Christ’s soon return—are we near the end?
The Himalayan earthquake occurred at 11:56am (NST) on Saturday, with more than 100 aftershocks that crumbled centuries-old buildings in the nearby city of Kathmandu and numerous smaller villages. Casualty numbers keep climbing as thousands of rescue workers pour into the area digging through rubble in a desperate search for survivors. One report has called it a race against death.
The earthquake also triggered a devastating avalanche on nearby Mount Everest. At least 18 climbers were killed, making it the most lethal day on the world-famous mountain.
Geologists studying the quake measured its depth at 9.3 miles, which is considered shallow for earthquakes and more damaging on the surface. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, suffered major losses of life and structures. The region sits on a block of crust 75-miles wide and 37-miles long. Some reports indicate this entire area shifted south 10 feet in just 30 seconds.
[1]
The risk of a large earthquake in the area has been discussed for many years. Even a few years ago, one seismologist explained there was sufficient accumulated energy in the area to produce an 8-magnitude earthquake. Yet many local officials believed a large quake would not occur again. “We don’t have to worry about earthquakes anymore, because we already had an earthquake [referring to the large quake in 1934].”
Earthquakes are one of the most terrifying natural disasters, and the Bible speaks of them six times in the Old Testament and almost a dozen in the New Testament. An earthquake marked both the death and the resurrection of Christ. Paul and Silas were released from prison through God’s use of an earthquake. But most often they are marked as a sign of the end of time. “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom and against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places” (Matthew 24:7).
Peter quotes from Joel in his Pentecost sermon stating, “I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath” (Acts 2:19). As we approach the nearness of Jesus’ return, such calamities should awaken us to the times in which we live. These signs are warnings for those who do not realize the dangerous pathways they choose that lead away from God.
Just four months ago, our Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism (AFCOE) team was in Nepal preaching the gospel and training disciples. Reports from these ministry friends and contacts in the area of devastation are pouring in. Please pray for God’s people and all those who are suffering in Nepal.
Carissa McSherry, AFCOE assistant director, shares, “Just four months ago when we were preaching and serving in Nepal, we were all separately impressed that we were preaching to future martyrs. This impression deepened our sincerity, earnestness, and prayers. I truly believe that God was impressing us of this trial and helping to prepare His precious people.”
Unless we have God’s protection, we are at risk of Satan’s wrath. Whether the Nepal quake signals something more coming upon this world, we cannot say. But either way, let us determine to stand close to the Lord in these final moments of earth’s history. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).
Learn more about the signs of Christ’s soon return! Listen to Pastor Doug's hope-filled presentation, called “A Storm Shelter,” by clicking
here.
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen